Leak in Milwaukee water main leads to 20 breaks

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Water crews in Milwaukee are working to repair more than 20 water-main breaks, after a leak prompted the closure of one south-side pumping station.

Crews were out in force Sunday to repair the breaks. City officials say the water is safe to drink, although some blocks might be without water until repairs are complete.

The problem began Saturday morning. That’s when an 84-inch water main began leaking, sending water into the pumping station. Officials shut down that water-treatment plant and relied on another plant to pick up the slack.

But that led to an increase of water pressure throughout the system, which caused at least 21 other water-main breaks.